Smart & Final

I had the great experience with a young lady she was in the stocking area Yvonne I believe was her name and she was helping me locate some certain items that I was trying to find and there was some on the top shelf that I couldn’t get so she got a ladder and got it down for me and really really helpful really kind and really respectful I would love to give her a 10:10 on everything that she has done for me at Smart & Final here in San Juan Capistrano and another thing her personality was so exciting it cheered me up for the whole entire day I could not stop thinking about how wonderful this woman was and I would love to come back and shop again at Smart and final hopefully I can run into her again.

What a delightful discovery — the store has upgraded the produce section and improved the cheese selection. Overall, there has been a real effort to enhance the store inventory. The best part… the staff is warm and welcoming. Nice job!

I discovered this store location when the Costco next door suggested I try here for an item they didn’t carry. It’s a typical Smart and Final. They don’t carry organic foods but it’s good for other items that you can’t find at Costco. The cashier and bagger were friendly. The only downside is they had only one checkout counter open.

My grandkids are visiting for Spring break
Went into your store for a few groceries
The customer service wasn’t pleasant At All!
When the kids make comment on the Rude attitude of the clerk… you know there Must be a problem.
Not driving from San Clemente again…
For such sour attitudes.
Melissa must need a new career.
D.Moore

This is the first and only Smart & Final I’ve ever been to, so I have no other place to compare it with. But from my experiences here, it was always pleasant. People who work here seem a little more happy. I usually hit this place for something I need in the kitchen and they usually have what I need in big bulk, which is awesome.
Big tubs of cream cheese and big boxes of baking soda! They do have regular sizes too. I would go here for cooking/​kitchen needs and cleaning stuff. My hair is super long and it really clogs up the drains. This place sells Drano in a huge bottle.
I guess one thing that I like about this place is that it’s kinda like Costco, but without membership dues and it’s not as crowded. It doesn’t take long to check out and prices are comparable.

I love this store. Its not a lot to look at, but there are some gems to be found if you take the time to search. I love the meat section, a lot of good deals there. The produce is really good too.

Cheap stuff but the service!!! There is one cashier that has grey hair wears glasses and this month has a goatee. He’s just bad. Never bags, never smiles, isn’t a pleasant person at all. He clearly hates having a job and should get a new one. He’s a zombie and acts like he doesn’t have to do anything for you he’s just going through the motions. How about a conversation or how about bagging my groceries? I mean you are getting paid.

I love the prices and selection, but sizes can be a bit large driving cost up. For the most part it is an easy costco competitor and they are easy enough to get into and out of. I love the selection and they make partiers easier on the budget. I admit the produce is limited and the booze as well, but if you want great prices defiantly give them a shot. The meat prices also are unbeatable. I always want to come here more but then I remember it is an additional stop cause they don’t have everything I need. Its sort of a great once a month spot for sure. I like this particular one cause they are in a small off the freeway location that seems to be a secret to most folks. Plus the dollar tree next door is always great for a few odds and ends at unbeatable prices.

I came here to buy some snacks for the house, i spent about $ 75 and it was a good amount of groceries, after i paid the cashier asked where my reuseable bags were, and i told her i didn’t have any with me… and she said «we no longer provide plastic bags to customers as a way for the company to save money» I was pisses, i had to put everything back into my cart and take it all to the car, then when i got home had to go get some bags and then bring them in… the good prices this store has dont make up for the lack of basic needs.

This store is ok I guess. I usually only go to it if I need something last minute or just 1or 2 things. They never have enough checkers to ring people out, therefore there are always long lines, and starting April 1^st they charge 10 cents a bag for your groceries. (Which I know they aren’t the only ones starting this) very basic store, no meat department, no bakery. The people are friendly though, so that’s a plus.

Good prices

I love this store. The staff is very helpful and the selection is always there.

Well… maybe it’s the «Twin-​Tub-​Pak of Kraft’s Philli Cream Cheese»… for only $ 7 and change? Or maybe, even more important, is the fact that they don’t ask for «My membership card» multiple times?
They’re more like a typical supermarket now than a wholesale grocer, as they were in the past. The remodel, with a friendlier produce department, has brought more retail clients through the doors. And that, I suppose, explains the added checkout registers. (Ying and Yang thing) The only lingering complaint, and it’s consistent with other shoppers, is the difficulty in getting assistance in the aisles. Once you get someone, they’re pretty helpful. But my thinking is that they’re paid poorly, and they would rather not be disturbed. (This is the antithesis to the Trader Joe’s philosophy of customer service!)
I started going to Smart and Final in 2005, to stock my espresso coffee bar. But after getting my Torani syrups, sauces and bulk boxes of Hawaiian Brown Sugar in packets… I started noticing the cheeses, specialty meats and other commodity items, like bulk spices. If you scope out the store for what you generally purchase for your home, and you know your prices, this is like the 7 – 11 version of Costco… which, ironically, is located in the same shopping center, just a quick minute East. It’s easier, and quicker, to get that 5 gallons of Teriyaki sauce at S&F than Costco! (I still have mine from that Costco visit in 1998!?)
My attitude is that food shopping is a balance between «local convenience» versus «lowest unit price.» If S&F were just closer to our neighborhood, I’d be there more than the higher priced Ralph’s. And believe me, I cringe every time the Ralph’s checker tells me «how much money I saved using my Ralph’s Card…» I’d prefer the «silent treatment» and just lower prices, like I get at Smart and Final.

+ Cheap stuff
— Not much of a focus on all natural, organic, earth friendly etc etc etc.
— I own an eco friendly cleaning business and would like to see more that I can use here.
— Always crowded

This Smart & Final has a new name — Smart & Final: Extra!
I guess these are the Extras:
1) The store has been completely re-​organized and is much easier to use now. They have more registers and more checkers to help answer questions. Still, on a recent visit, I did experience a long delay in getting some help reaching a box of cups poised on the highest shelf in the store. This time, though, someone stocking produce was able to help. Used to be you could never find a single solitary staff person on the floor.
2) Speaking of produce, their produce section is now overflowing with fresh fruit and veggies — somehow they make it look more abundant than the other stores. It looks like a farmers market over here now. Whereas it used to look sorta sad. Like Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree.
3) Most everything I check here is far below the prices in Ralph’s, Von’s, etc. Example: mulling spices for apple cider were $ 3,29 here, and then I passed the same brand at Ralph’s the next day and saw they were $ 4.49.
4) This is the best place to shop for large parties — they have cups, plates, napkins, coffee stirrers, you name it. And again, the prices here are way, way lower than any of the party stores. If they sold rolls of plastic tablecloths here, I wouldn’t even have to go to those party stores anymore.
The only area of this store that I’ve found to be cheaper at COSTCO is the liquor section. While shopping for events at work, I’ve noted that the alcohol here is maybe 50 cents more than at COSTCO. So, it’s minimal, but when you are buying a lot — it adds up.
Party on!